Page 75 of Pervade London
“Is setting your thugs on me protocol, too?” I snapped.
“I hate it when my victims yell at me, Emily.”
“I promise not to go back to Great Missenden.”
He rolled his eyes. “Oh? That makes everything splendid.”
“Does Kitty really work for you?”
“She’s actually rather fond of you.”
“Are you going to kill me?”
“Quite honestly, I’m undecided.”
Fear slithered beneath my skin.
“Ms. Rampling, I need to see remorse.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Well, that’s a start.”
I looked over his shoulder at the other men. “I’ll never disobey you again.”
“I’m not convinced.”
“I mean it this time, I promise.”
“Do I need to threaten your family—?”
“Don’t.”
“I’m doing the talking right now.”
Swallowing hard, I cursed myself for not thinking this through, for putting everyone around me in danger. My mum, Harold, and even Xander.
“What will it take to persuade you to forget Xander and go away, Emily?” he said darkly. “Do I need to step out of the room?”
Nausea made my stomach churn. “James, please, I just need to know he’s happy.”
He stepped back with a sigh. “Maybe the only way to convince you is to have him push you away.” James pivoted toward the door.
I drew in a sharp, hopeful breath as Xander appeared.
His expression was as complex as when I’d first met him at Piccadilly…and just as beautiful. My beloved, the one who’d know how to get me out of here. Maybe we’d be able to leave together.
He, too, was dressed in a tuxedo that contrasted greatly with the rough surroundings. Really? They were both wearing posh suits fit for fine dining or an evening mixing with other elites—while I’d been imprisoned and abused in here.
Xander came towards me and I flinched at his glare of disappointment.
He looked conflicted. “What are you doing here?”
“I went to see your mum,” I admitted.
He shot James a look of concern.
“I’m afraid she did,” said James.
